Earthquakes: guidelines on preparing, responding and recovering

This document was developed based on reviews of preparedness measures in areas at risk of earthquakes and reviews and evaluations of response and recovery operations following recent earthquakes. It is divided into three broad sections based on activities related to earthquakes: (i) preparing, (ii) responding and (iii) recovering. It also contains a section on cross-cutting issues. The first section identifies actions to reduce earthquake risks and enhance preparedness based on the five Priorities for Action outlined under the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), such as building codes establishment, risk identification, public awareness and legal preparedness. The guidelines are supported with evidence of good practices and examples from across the world.

The guidelines are not intended to be a step-by-step guide to preparing for, responding to and recovering from earthquakes. It is assumed that the readers are familiar with the processes and operations involved in a humanitarian response. What this document attempts to do is to highlight issues and aspects that are particular to earthquakes and that need to be taken into consideration. Given the high likelihood of occurrence, the challenges of responding to earthquakes in urban settings have been given particular attention.